She was waiting at the bus stop at the junction of London Road and Lucy Lane South, in Stanway when the robber stole her handbag.

The struggle, which occurred shortly before 7pm on Friday, caused her to fall to ground as the man ran off towards Tollgate with her pink handbag.

The male suspect is described as being of slim build and about 5ft 10ins tall, is aged in his 30s, has black hair, was sporting an unkempt messy beard and was wearing khaki-green trousers and a black jacket.

The woman, who lives in Hornchurch, sustained a minor facial injury and was treated at the scene.

DC Hannah Richardson, investigating officer, said: "We’re looking to speak with those people who were either walking or driving along London Road and saw the robbery or the man running off.

"The thief may have dumped the pink bag in nearby bushes so we’re also keen to find it.

"We would also appeal to anyone who has CCTV in the London Road, Tollgate area to check their footage to see if they have the offender running away from the scene.

"Just the like the woman, we want this man caught and brought to justice so ask people to contact us with the information that can lead to the attacker’s identification and subsequent arrest.”

Anyone with information should contact detectives at Colchester police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.